Roman Rulers by Description

Founder of Rome and the one to establish the Roman Senate.

Established many of Rome's most important religious and political institutions, and introduced the twelve-month solar calendar.

Expanded Roman hegemony over Latium. Increased the number of the Senate. Constructed the Cloaca Maxima and the Circus Maximus.

Built the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, and was the last king of Rome.

Founder of the Roman Republic, and its first consul.

Defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama, and defeated Carthage in the Punic Wars.

Prominent commander, of which his success earned him the cognomen "Magnus" ("the great") after Alexander the Great. He was council three times and celebrated three Roman triumphs.

A philosopher who played an important role in the politics of the late Republic. He is considered one of Rome's greatest public speakers and prose stylists.

Greatly expanded Roman territory, and conquered Gaul. Considered by many to be one of the greatest military commanders in history. His cognomen was adopted as a synonym for "Emperor".

Was assigned Rome's eastern provinces, including the client kingdom of Egypt. Given the command in the war against Parthia. Carried a love affair with Cleopatra VII Philopator of Egypt.

The first emperor of Rome, and founder of the Roman Principate. Initiated the era known as the Pax Romana. During his reign, he reformed Rome in many ways, and established the Praetorian Guard.

Remembered as a ruler who never really desired to be emperor.

In the course of his reign, the empire annexed the client kingdom of Mauretania as a province. He initiated the construction of two aqueducts in Rome, the Aqua Claudia and the Anio Novus.

The first emperor born outside Italy. In his reign the empire started its conquest of Britain.

Rumoured to have instigated the Great Fire of Rome, which destroyed two thirds of Rome.

The first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors. Became emperor with the support of, and elected by, the Praetorian Guard.

Initiated the building of the Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum). The last emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors, and the first emperor to be succeeded by his own natural son.

A successful soldier-emperor who presided over the greatest military expansion in Roman history, leading the empire to attain its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death.

Known for building a wall which marked the northern limit of Britannia. In Rome itself, he rebuilt the Pantheon and constructed the vast Temple of Venus and Roma.

In Byzantium, he built a new imperial residence and renamed the city. On his deahtbed he converted to Christendom and thus became the first Christian emperor of Rome.

The last emperor of both the East and West.

Traditionally known as the last emperor of Rome. The end of his reign marked the end of the Roman Empire in the West.